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Scottish plan for 5 GW of offshore wind

29 March 2011

The Scottish Government has published a plan for offshore wind development in Scotland's seas, confirming that offshore wind power developments are viable in at least 6 sites that could total nearly 5 GW by 2020.

The plan has identified:

6 areas for development of offshore wind up to 2020, with a potential to deliver almost 5 GW of electricity generation capacity;

25 areas for further exploration beyond 2020, to harness the additional capacity from Scotland's offshore wind resource; and

Three previously proposed sites have not been included in the plan based on their environmental and economic impacts.

A further announcement regarding next steps is expected by the end of June.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead says: "Offshore wind offers massive business opportunities and allows us to be at the forefront of emerging technology and development.

"The Scottish Government is committed to the successful and sustainable development of an offshore wind sector, which could lead to a potential generation of over £7 billion to Scotland's economy and support up to 28,000 direct jobs by 2020.”

He adds: “It is estimated that Scotland has 206 GW of practical offshore wind, wave and tidal resource – almost 40% of the UK total. Harnessing just one third – 68 GW – would result in net value of £14 billion in electricity sales alone by 2050."

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